BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Bellingham has opened a new street that is the first crossing of I-5 in the city since the freeway was built in 1964.
The extension of Orchard Drive has been renamed Birchwood Avenue.
It runs between James Street and Squalicum Parkway, creating a direct connection between the King Mountain Neighborhood and Bellingham’s hospital.
It includes sidewalks, bike lanes, a new water main and a storm water collection system.
The city says it should improve traffic flow on Meridian and Sunset by giving traffic in north Bellingham another option to cross I-5.